Most random helpful thing in your pack?

I was just wondering, and hoping to benefit from everyone elses trial and error so to speak... what is one or two of the most helpful little tools you have in your pack. I am not looking for a poket knife or bear spray... really more of something random you wouldnt think about when packing

Something to sit on -- ThermRest makes a LiteSeat that's basically the toe end of a ProLite 3 pad, though I find the inflation part is overkill. You can also get a small slice of Z-rest called a "Z Seat." Either way they're light and can help insulate your hydration bladder (very handy in summer).

Or you could just hack the end off one of those cheap closed-cell pads.

Hmmm . . . really trying not to be too random these days. Trying to think what I might have carried this summer that I never used (as in, too many random batteries, which I had) I barely brush or floss on long trips, but I met a guy dumb enough to put his canister in his pack for the night––he certainly got to use all his dental floss to stitch it up . . . Duct tape is of course, a part of everyones trekking poles or water bottles and I think potty trowels are seriously overrated when (if you choose you spot wisely) a good few boot kicks will do the job.

Thanks to trouthunter for mentioning (first, no less) the single most important thing I recommend for boy scouts to carry in their packs: dental floss! It may seem a random thing, but look at the uses you get from this extremely lightweight, small, and strong product:

1. Fixes most toothaches (nearly all are caused by food stuck between teeth)

2. Excellent fishing line

3. Very strong sewing thread (clothing, tent and gear repairs)

4. Spare bootlaces

5. Build a snare

6. Substitute tent guy line

And I've probably forgotten a few uses. Most helpful "random" thing ever!

I carry a 12 inch by 6 inch peice of closed cell foam to sit on, fan a fire,make a splint-this was cut from an old sleeeping pad.like others iIwrap duct tape around my waterbottle. 12 feet of guy cord for pulling packs up cliffs oe for shoelaces.

Try to anticipate what you might need the dental floss for. What I mean is, if you're going to be using it for your teeth, any kind will be fine. However, I've found that non-waxed dental floss works best for most "unconventional" applications - mainly because it is able to hold a knot better than the waxed stuff - such as those listed by Scouter Ed.

I'm no climber, but I always carry 100' of 550 paracord (daisy chained to save space) and a few carabiners. I've never HAD to use the stuff, but I think I coulde come up with a few different uses if faced with the challenge.

I also try to carry a zip-lock bag of dryer lint. It takes a spark like nothing else I've used.

Other than that, most of my gear is traditional stuff. I pack light as it is.

> ShamWow < Buy a whole friggin box of the things at Walmart for $25 and you have the cheapest quality pack towels you could ask for.

>Duct Tape < Repair Tents, sleeping bads, boats, shoes, water bottles, packs, and just about anything else. Also use in place of moleskin, and to wrap sprained or broken joint and limbs. Impromtu bandage/hold bandages in place.